On pace for 109 losses, time for Astros to roll the dice

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Jeff Luhnow has a game plan, but when there are so many uncertainties, experiments and what ifs abound, even in the general manager’s office. So, since we know that Luhnow reads the blogs from time to time, here are a few suggestions for the next few months and into next spring.

Bud Norris to closer.

The Astros made it work with Brett Myers, why not make a project out of the 27-year-old Norris. There’s not a single stat to support the move – “Huh?”, you say? — but some fans have been begging for the shift for a while. The problem with this experiment is that the already-thin rotation takes another hit. But, if the Astros make the move in the spring, Luhnow could fill the rotation with moves this winter.

Jason Castro to 1B.

With his knee issues, the Astros should consider their options with the 25-year-old former first rounder. He was a first baseman in his early days at Stanford and wouldn’t take long to reintroduce himself to the corner position. Let him settle into the rest of the season as a hitter, rather than test his knees out down the stretch. At his age, risking another injury at this point in the season just isn’t worth it.

Brett Wallace to 3B.

And you thought I was sending Wallace to the bench. Again, it’s about options for 2013. As Castro scoots to first, Wallace gets an opportunity to prove himself at the hot corner. Castro, Jose Altuve, Marwin Gonzalez and Wallace around the horn is worth a look, especially since there aren’t any obvious third baseman waiting in the wings. Not discounting Matt Dominguez, but not sure that he and his .241 average qualify as “obvious”.

Jimmy Paredes to CF (in Houston).

Face it, this would be the most anticipated move of the season. Luhnow held fans and the media in suspense on the Brett-Wallace-to-Houston promotion recently, but this one would plug in some excitement and reignite some interest down the stretch. Question is: If you write him into the lineup, where do you bat Paredes? And who do you plant in the corner OF spots to compliment — read: protect, teach, back up — the 24-year-old?

Jim Deshaies to manager.

Had to throw in an odd one. Unorthodox to be sure, but this guy knows the game. He’s obviously been spending some time with bench coach Joe Pettini if you listen closely to some of his comments. Yes, it breaks up one of the best television teams in baseball, but it’s little sacrifice to get a quality manager in the dugout.

Luhnow sent several Astros packing earlier this summer. Here are their numbers after joining their new teams.